Picasso work stolen in 2018 recovered after chance discovery in Milwaukee
A priceless piece of art has returned to the hands of its original owner after six years of uncertainty. It is a print titled “Torero,” a work signed by the iconic Pablo Picasso that was stolen from the DeLind Fine Art Appraisals gallery in Milwaukee during the year 2018.
The discovery occurred unexpectedly when Tim Dertz, a property owner in the city, was cleaning an apartment after a tenant’s eviction. To his surprise, he found the framed piece hanging on one of the walls, covered by a thick layer of dust that suggested it had remained there for a long period.
I felt overwhelmed. I was left speechless. It was a very emotional moment for me.
Bill DeLind, gallery owner
After identifying the piece, Dertz contacted an antique dealer friend, who suspected it was the work reported stolen years ago. Upon handing over the engraving to the authorities, they confirmed its provenance through the gallery label that still remained on the back of the frame. Bill DeLind, upon being notified, immediately recognized the piece he had considered lost forever.
Details about the work and the legal process
- The “Torero” print is one of the 30 existing copies signed by Picasso himself.
- At the time of the theft in 2018, the piece was valued between 35,000 and 50,000 dollars.
- Experts believe that, due to its unique history of disappearance and recovery, its current value could be in the upper range of 50,000 dollars.
Currently, the Milwaukee Police Department is keeping the work in its custody while legal arrangements are completed. The case remains under investigation, although authorities have noted that the statute of limitations for property crimes usually reaches six years. For his part, DeLind is coordinating with the insurance company to resolve the administrative aspects of the case.
This outcome represents a relief for the artistic community and for DeLind’s circle, who for years kept alive the hope of recovering this cultural treasure, constantly reminding the authorities of the case in search of any clue that would allow for its location.
